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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | KT E 595.789 GIB | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Young naturalists will be captivated by this exploration of the life of a monarch butterfly. Highlighting a single monarch, the text describes each stage of its metamorphosis, basic physical and behavioral characteristics, diet, and migratory instincts and patterns.
Author Notes
Gail Gibbons was born in 1944 in Oak Park, Illinois. She received a degree in graphic design from the University of Illinois. She got a job doing artwork for television shows in New York City. She was eventually offered a job creating art for a children's show, where some of the children asked her if she had ever considered doing a children's books. Her first book, Willy and His Wheel Wagon, was published in 1975. Since then she has written and illustrated more than 170 non-fiction books for children including Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Gail Gibbons's wonderful book (Holiday House, 1989) on the life cycle of the monarch butterfly is still one of the best basic resources on the topic for use with primary students. Her bold, bright illustrations vividly highlight each important text point, with labeling when necessary. The text is equally crisp and informative, providing young readers with good information about monarchs, and then instructions for raising a monarch butterfly themselves. Bonnie Kelley-Young is the perfect narrator. Her voice is as clear and well-defined as the text and illustrations. The addition of occasional background music and sound effects adds just the right touch. Page-turn signals are optional. This would make a great listening center for classrooms doing butterfly units.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary, Federal Way, WA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Fiction: NF Age: K-3 Gibbons turns her considerable talent to an explanation of the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. A straightforward and easy-to-understand introduction. Review, p. 790. Horn Rating: Superior, well above average. Reviewed by: ef (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Striking color and outstanding design make this introduction to the monarch's life cycle visually pleasing. Gibbons uses borders in gold, white, and black with central panels where soft blue and green intensify the rich orange and black of this familiar species. But, unfortunately, she sacrifices accuracy in both form and proportion in order to maintain the soft, flowing curves she uses to depict the butterflies and the plants in their environment: the front wing of the monarch is strongly triangular rather than rounded as shown; the antennae should be barely clubbed and turn out, not in. Information is given on each stage of development: egg, larva, chrysalis, and butterfly; and on migration, butterfly celebrations, and caring for a captive caterpillar. Handsome, but flawed as a science resource. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 1-3, younger for reading aloud. In clear, concise terms, Gibbons presents basic life-cycle information about the monarch butterfly--from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult. She also describes migratory patterns, butterfly festivals, and gives directions for raising your own monarch. While the author keeps her information appropriately brief for young readers, care has been taken to use and define proper terms (chrysalis, proboscis, thorax, etc.) when necessary. The bold, full-color illustrations are a visual delight. With Gibbons' usual attractive layout, this book will be welcomed by young children, parents, and teachers, especially when nature units and field trips are in the offing. Other monarch facts appended. --Kay Weisman
